97303 - Applications of Probiotic Microbiota in Sustainable Nurseries

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will know theory and practices for managing plant-probiotic microorganisms, and he is able to evaluate the opportunity and the ways to use plant-probiotic microorganisms to improve the sustainability in the nursery, as well as for ornamental applications. The student will be able to collaborate on the selection and production of plant-probiotic biofertilizers, on their monitoring in the substrates, in nursery plants, and after the planting.

Course contents

Due to the inclusion in this course of wet-laboratory, greenhouse and field activities, Students are invited to previously attend the lab & field safety modules 1, 2 and 3. Check the availability of such modules on course website.

Theoretic unit (18 hours)

[Expected results: ability to choose microbiota applications in the ornamental and forestry nursery, in the management of sustainable ornamental plants, and in the communication to interact, in scientific and technical ways, with other professionals of the sector]

Assessment of propaedeutic knowledge. Definition of probiotic microbiota and holobiont.

Role of rhizospheric microbiota in plants nutrition, protection, stimulation and environmental fitness.

Mycorrhizal fungi: biology, ecology, plant-probiotic functions and applications.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria: biology, ecology, plant-probiotic functions and applications.

Biodiversity and applications of other plant-probiotic microorganisms in the sustainable nursery.

Production, use and monitoring of plant-probiotic products in the ornamental and forestry nursery supply chain.

Outlines of the role of microbiota in compost production, and soil/water phytoremediation.

 

Contents of the wet-laboratory teaching unit: (12 hours)

[Expected results: ability to manage with monitoring methods for plant-probiotic microbiotas, ability to evaluate the microbiological quality of nursery-produced plant materials and substrates]

Basic hazard/security instructions for a safe experience of wet-laboratory, greenhouse and field practice.

Rhizospheric soil sampling techniques.

Absorbent roots fractionation and sampling.

Qualitative and quantitative methods for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in plants and substrates.

Qualitative and quantitative methods for ectomycorrhizal fungi in trees and shrubs.

Practical use of commercial plant-probiotic inoculants in teaching greenhouse.

Results reading, interpretation and technical communication.

Readings/Bibliography

• Some chapters, listed by the professor in class, from the book:

“Microbiologia Agroambientale” CEA, Milano 2008. ISBN9788840813837.  [available at the Library].

• For all other topics and for laboratory practice, additional materials would be accessible on the University of Bologna platform "Virtuale" for students enrolled to the present course. Such materials should be downloaded or printed for use during the lessons.

Teaching methods

This lecture is given at the Imola site, by powerpoint presentations and laboratory demonstrations developed by the teacher, eventually integrated by specialists seminars and technical visits.

Students with Learning Disorders or Disabilities are kindly invited to contact the dedicated service [http://www.studentidisabili.unibo.it/] and/or the teacher, with adequate advance notice.

The lecture is composed by two units: the first, on theory, is given by powerpoint presentations including examples and scientific logics, with the aim to stimulating student's critical learning.

The second provides hazard/security instructions before going to laboratory, then 4 wet-laboratory and greenhouse experiences of 3.5 hours, intended to deepen students skills in detecting plant-probiotic microorganisms, and on their use.

Assessment methods

The course is part of an Integrated Course, therefore, the learning assessment, which tests the level of knowledge and skills acquired by the student through the sole final exam, will be performed only at the end of both parts schedules. It consists of an oral exam performed by both teachers, generally composed of three principal questions and eventual other deepening/clarifying questions. The length of oral exam is generally about 30 minutes.

Students with Learning Disorders or Disabilities are kindly invited to contact the dedicated Service and/or the teacher, with adequate advance notice.

Students should demonstrate to know the theory and to be able to link lecture topics with technical problems of applications. Practical skills for field- and benchwork will not be evaluated for the exam final note.

Each question is evaluated a maximum of 30 points. The final note will be calculated by the mean of the three principal or written questions.

On students written request, learning assessment about microbiology can be taken in English or French languages.

Teaching tools

PC, video projector, white board, slides on Virtuale.
Teaching laboratory instruments, teaching greenhouse.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Bosco